Best W3 Sales Podcasts (2025)

1
Scaling a Chocolate Empire without Sacrificing Quality 25:48

10d ago25:48

25:48

Just in time for Valentines' Day! 😍 The Real Life Willy Wonka of the Midwest, Dan Abel Jr joins Nancy Ridlen on the latest episode. Dan shares how he scaled the family business without sacrificing quality. What is so fascinating about the company history is that the Bissinger's roots go back to 1668 in Paris, France, and revolve around King Louis t…

1
Passion and Perseverance: Jennifer Rolander’s Culinary Journey 30:35

24d ago30:35

30:35

Jennifer Rolander's journey through the food service industry reveals the importance of passion, connection, and mentorship in achieving success. Her experiences highlight the value of lifelong learning and the profound impact of fostering relationships, especially among aspiring culinary professionals. • Jennifer’s early experiences in her family'…

1
Successful Sales Strategies - Top 10 Ways to Kick Off Your New Year 24:24

1M ago24:24

24:24

Celebrating 10 years of W3 Sales provides a platform for reflection, growth, and valuable lessons learned. Nancy delves into the importance of learning from mistakes, nurturing team culture, adapting to market challenges, and embracing failure as part of the journey. • Reflecting on the past as a critical step for growth • Importance of learning fr…

1
Leading a Successful Sales Firm in a People First Culture 32:20

2M ago32:20

32:20

We explore the importance of relationships and a people-first culture in the food service industry with Jeff Griffiths, President of eSource Miller & our host, Nancy Ridlen. From employee empowerment to customer connections, this episode is packed with insights on creating a thriving business environment. • Discussing the journey and experiences in…

1
Embracing Tradition in a Digital Age 19:31

3M ago19:31

19:31

What if you could transform a century-old company's digital presence while preserving its cherished traditions? Caroline Webre, Ben E Keith's innovative social media marketing manager, shares her inspiring journey of revitalizing this well-established brand's online footprint. With a focus on meaningful interactions over mere follower counts, Carol…

1
From Cake Pops to Culinary Fame: Chef David Burke's Journey 44:10

3M ago44:10

44:10

How did Chef David Burke rise from a time when being a chef wasn't highly regarded to become an international culinary ambassador? Listen as we promise to reveal the secrets behind his remarkable journey. From his inventive cake pop creations to his travels across 30 countries, Chef Burke's story is a testament to passion and perseverance in the cu…

1
272: Seth Godin on Publishing Strategy, Missed Opportunities, Sunk Costs, Social Media, and Smart Risks 48:27

4M ago48:27

48:27

“How do you decide who has the power to judge you? Who are you seeking to please? Is that validation directly in alignment with how you are rewarded and how you're organized?” Seth Godin is back with a brand new book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans, and if you loved Free Time, I know you will love this one for geeking out on systems thinking! …

1
271: Specific Road-Tested Tips for Book Sales and Marketing with Todd Sattersten (Part Two) 53:40

4M ago53:40

53:40

Hi Friends! Although the podcast is still paused, I'm dropping into the feed this week and next with two very special conversations :) Today is a bonus episode from February for paid subscribers with Todd Sattersten, publisher and owner of Bard Press, and next week features Seth Godin and his new book, This Is Strategy. If you haven't already liste…

1
Redefining Senior Living Services with Aaron Fish 27:41

5M ago27:41

27:41

What happens when you blend the precision of computer science with the heart of hospitality? Join host Nancy Ridlen in this insightful episode of Confessions Beyond the Food as she interviews Aaron Fish, CEO of Trestle Hospitality Concepts. Aaron shares how senior living communities are transforming with strategic growth, creative revenue opportuni…

1
Mixology Masterclass with Rebecca Dowda 29:11

6M ago29:11

29:11

Join our host, Nancy Ridlen, as she sits down with Rebecca Dowda, CEO of More Than Mixology and iSi ambassador. Rebecca shares her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur in the world of handcrafted cocktails. She reveals her passion for fresh ingredients, expert mixology technique, and training the next generation of cocktail creators. Whether you’re…

1
How to Open a Restaurant with Bradford Thompson 36:55

6M ago36:55

36:55

Join us as we sit down with the extraordinary Chef Bradford Thompson, a James Beard Award-winning chef, culinary consultant, and CEO of Bellyful Hospitality. Born and bred in New York City, Chef Bradford shares his experiences of raising a family in the heart of Harlem, where his kids have grown up with a love for cooking and an appreciation for th…

1
Luxury Creations with Chef Robbie Rensel 35:13

7M ago35:13

35:13

In this episode, Chef Robbie shares the essence of his culinary journey, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, quality, and passion in cooking. From humble beginnings to mastering the art of cooking, Chef Robbie highlights the value of hands-on experience, teamwork, and consistency in the kitchen. He discusses the often-overlooked challenges ch…

1
The Human Approach to Selling with Steven Rogers 29:20

8M ago29:20

29:20

In this episode, "The Human Approach to Selling," we dive into the art of building genuine connections in the sales world with Steven Rogers, the Southwest Regional Sales Manager for Inteplast. Hosted by Nancy Ridlen, this week's episode brings you insightful conversations and practical advice on fostering meaningful relationships with clients. Ste…

1
Finding Light: Steps to Hope and Healing with Brett Smith 37:57

8M ago37:57

37:57

Following "Hope in Hard Times: Faith Stories from the Trenches," Nancy and Brett dive even deeper into their journeys. In this part 2 episode, "Finding Light: Steps to Hope and Healing," they share the practical steps they've taken to find exactly that. Building on their raw and honest confessions, they outline the tools and strategies that have he…

1
Hope in Hard Times: Faith Stories from the Trenches 32:32

9M ago32:32

32:32

In this deeply personal episode, we pull back the curtain on the realities behind the food service industry’s shiny facade. Join Nancy Ridlen and Brett Smith as they share their raw, unfiltered journeys through anxiety, depression, and addiction, highlighting the often unseen battles faced by many. Discover how Nancy’s faith kept her afloat during …

1
How To Achieve Sales Magic 36:23

9M ago36:23

36:23

We're thrilled to introduce you to three dynamic women who are redefining sales in Central Texas and Oklahoma: Lori Cathey, Vina Finke, and Mallary Mann. These powerhouse sales leaders from W3 Sales share their unique insights, strategies, and personal stories that have propelled them to the top of their field. In this episode, Lori Cathey from Okl…

1
Millennial & Gen Z Creative Outlets 37:38

10M ago37:38

37:38

Step into the vibrant world of W3 Sales and Marketing as we introduce you to the dynamic duo behind the scenes in our latest episode. Join Nancy as she sits down with Macy and Alex, two powerhouse members of our brand team. Discover how Macy and Alex found their footing in the industry, from diving into the unknown to embracing the challenges of in…

1
Leading in a Small Business 33:41

10M ago33:41

33:41

Kicking off a multi-series podcast to introduce the W3 team, Nancy Ridlen welcomes her first guests, Kevin Porter & Traci Hess. These three make up the leadership team at W3 Sales. Kevin, Traci and Nancy discuss what leadership looks like in today's ever-changing foodservice industry. They take a deep dive into what makes up a great sales team, coa…

1
Unveiling the Visionary Journey of Larry Lavine, Founder of Chili’s 38:44

10M ago38:44

38:44

In this episode, we delve into the captivating story of Larry Lavine. Larry shares the evolution of his visionary journey - from the inception of Chili’s, to creating & working with some of the most well known restaurant brands, to what he is working on today. He always has a surprise up his sleeve! Discover the passion that drives Larry to build c…

1
Dining with Dignity: The Evolution of Senior Living & Healthcare with Denise Munion 31:33

11M ago31:33

31:33

In this episode, host Nancy Ridlen sits down with Denise Munion, Vice President of Culinary Services at Oakdale Seniors Alliance. Their discussion emphasizes the vital role of preserving residents' dignity through culinary offerings, ensuring that meals not only nourish the body but also uplift the spirit. Listen in on Nancy and Denise’s eye-openin…

1
Bridging Health and Environmental Awareness with Blair Michal 35:56

11M ago35:56

35:56

In this episode, host Nancy Ridlen is joined by Blair Michal from Better Earth to shed light on a topic close to their hearts: National Endometriosis Awareness Month. Both Nancy and Blair have grappled with the ongoing effects of endometriosis since their teenage years, and they bravely share their personal journeys with all of us. From the relentl…

1
Relationships Matter - The Legacy of Dan Hinton Part 1 32:29

12M ago32:29

32:29

In this special episode, we spoke with Dan Hinton, a true legend in the hospitality industry and whose wisdom and guidance have left an unforgettable mark on all who knew him. As we delve into his remarkable journey, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on the world of sales and hospitality during his 30-year tenure at the Edward Don Compa…

1
270: 🌈 Taking a Quiet Sabbatical and Pausing the Podcasts — For Now . . . 21:03

12M ago21:03

21:03

As I round the corner into this ninth year of podcasting and after over 700 episodes, today I’m announcing a pause for both shows. Listen in to hear what factors helped me reach this decision across time, money, energy, depressing industry articles, the pace of both shows’ growth, and mix of additional business factors that make this an important m…

1
Training for Success: Danielle Graves' Path of Empowerment 28:42

12M ago28:42

28:42

Join host Nancy Ridlen in a candid and insightful conversation with Danielle Graves, a multifaceted professional and devoted working mom. In this episode, Danielle shares her inspiring journey through various industries, navigating the complexities of balancing career and motherhood. From her firsthand experiences to the invaluable lessons learned …

1
269: 🏦 “I am not a bank” — Strategies for Getting Corporate Clients to Pay on Time with Joey Coleman 1:01:43

1y ago1:01:43

1:01:43

“I don’t get on the airplane—and definitely not the stage—unless all invoices are paid in full.” When my friend and fellow keynote speaker Joey Coleman said this to me over coffee, I started drilling him for details: Really?! How do you have the nerve to say that to a speaking client?! How do you avoid caving in to make sure their event doesn’t fal…

1
268: Strategies for Surpassing “The Magic Number” of Book Sales with Todd Sattersten 1:02:03

1y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

What mysterious ingredients make a book launch successful? What number of first-week and first-year sales truly make a difference to a book’s longevity? What can you do to turn lagging numbers around? In a flagship illuminating post for the industry, Todd Sattersten, publisher and owner of Bard Press, shared his findings in The Magic Number. In thi…

1
267: Insights from Google's Productivity Expert—On Saying No, Cozy Corners, The Laundry Method, and More with Laura Mae Martin 40:14

1y ago40:14

40:14

Laura Mae Martin has a fascinating role as the Executive Productivity Advisor at Google in the Office of the CEO—one that she helped create six years ago (with big thanks to Jenny Wood for introducing us!). ****She coaches Google’s top executives on the best ways to manage their time and energy and sends out a weekly productivity newsletter that re…

1
The Heart of Hospitality: Jeff Castor's Story 37:46

1y ago37:46

37:46

In this episode, join us as we sit down with Jeff Castor, a seasoned sales professional with a deep passion for the hospitality industry. Drawing from his own experiences, Jeff understands the importance of recognizing the power of continuing to move forward. Whether it's making strides in his professional career or embracing personal growth throug…

1
266: The Framework Framework™️ (BFF Bonus Replay) 30:01

1y ago30:01

30:01

While the title of this episode, The Framework Framework™ is tongue-in-cheek, I’m pulling this out of the BFF bonus vault because it’s one of the community’s favorites. I’m sharing the first steps to how you can set up a framework to help bolster your IP and your business; either by scaling through programs like certification and licensing, and to …

1
265: 🦧 What to Do When You Lose Your Biggest Client (Part Two) 34:13

1y ago34:13

34:13

What do you do when you lose your biggest client? If you haven’t already, listen to part one for some answers—264: What to Do When You Lose Your Biggest Client— and save these links for a rainy day :) The next time you’re going through something challenging in your business, remember: you are not alone! I hope you find comfort through the voices of…

1
264: 🦧 What to Do When You Lose Your Biggest Client (Part One) 38:52

1y ago38:52

38:52

What do you do when you lose your biggest client? That was my Spotify search query for podcast episodes on this topic in the summer of 2023. It came up empty—there was not a single podcast episode on this topic. Of course not. Who wants to admit out loud and in their archives that they've lost their biggest client? In the past, I probably wouldn't …

1
263: Finding Product-Market-Founder Fit and Launching Downhill Sales Snowballs ☃️ through Relationship-Marketing with Michelle Warner 44:33

1y ago44:33

44:33

“I am great in the early, messy days and I know that about myself, so I designed my business around serving others in that stage.” In this conversation with business strategist (genius!) Michelle Warner, we cover the three growth stages most relevant to tiny business owners, how to fix broken business models, validating product-market-founder fit, …

1
262: 🪜Climbing Down the Entrepreneurial Ladder — Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h 14:37

1y ago14:37

14:37

“Things today are waaayyyyy better than Things have ever been. Cavemen had sticks. In the Middle ages they had typhoid. We have iPhones and Hermann Miller chairs and shoes with air in the soles. Inside the soles! How do they get the air inside the soles??? We are living in the Golden Age of Things, in the Golden Empire of Things.” —Shalom Auslander…

1
The Chef's Shift - John Franke's Restaurant Consulting Journey (Part 2) 32:29

1y ago32:29

32:29

Join us as John Franke continues to share his journey of faith and self-discovery, revealing how he found a deeper sense of purpose and identity beyond his chef coat. We discuss his transition from one facet of the culinary world to another in a new role as a consultant, ultimately demonstrating that while our careers shape us, they don't have to d…

1
261: Cringe-Free Launches and Evergreen Sales Considerations with Anne Samoilov 41:00

1y ago41:00

41:00

If you’re anything like me, you may find conducting online launches for your programs or events exhausting and sometimes even cringe-inducing. Thankfully, today’s guest, Anne Samoilov, is here to help! Anne is a long-time expert in the space who has helmed product launches for Laura Roeder, Marie Forleo, and Jonathan Fields. Today, we’re talking ab…

1
260: How to Focus on Long-Term Thinking in a Short-Term World with Dorie Clark 37:29

1y ago37:29

37:29

“Whenever you have a choice of what to do, choose the more interesting path." In honor of our upcoming Free Time x Long Game IRL event in Miami on February 1 and 2 (it’s not too late to join!), today I’m bringing you a favorite episode from the earliest days of the Free Time pod. In this conversation with Dorie Clark—aka “DC”—one of my closest frie…

1
259: Crisis Communication Strategies with Aliza Licht 36:37

1y ago36:37

36:37

Before you post anything, ask: Why am I posting this? Is this within my brand guardrails? Even still, you may find yourself in hot water someday, and it’s important to think through how you will respond (and the pop-up team you will assemble to help) in advance. Today, we’re breaking down the tricky art of crisis communications and apologies with A…

1
258: To Do—A Small Business Owner’s Checklist (Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h Crossover) 17:58

1y ago17:58

17:58

What’s on your business owner to-do list? Here’s a peek at mine, full of items large, small, and existential. This is another crossover from Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h, a recent essay that was an unexpected runaway hit—the most popular to date in the six months since I started on Substack. I had no idea (as usual) whether it would resonate or not when I hi…

1
The Chef's Shift: John Franke's Restaurant Consulting Journey (Part 1) 32:15

1y ago32:15

32:15

Join us as we unravel the inspiring journey of John Franke, a culinary expert turned restaurant consultant. In this episode, we explore the challenges of balancing between passion and exhaustion, as Franke touches on building brands, teams, and striving for excellence in the culinary world. Explore the entrepreneur's mindset, the struggle for work-…

1
257: How to Become a Friction Fixer with Huggy Rao 38:53

1y ago38:53

38:53

“We don’t want our time to be spread thin like peanut butter on a slice of toast. You will have greater impact when you concentrate your efforts on work that is closely tied to winning—however you define it.” Are you working in a frustration factory? If so, it’s important to recognize that not all friction is created equal. Some is good, to slow do…

1
256: Behind-the-Business: 1:1 Voxer Coaching Summer Pop-Up—Structure, Systems, and Pricing (Listener Q&A from Renee) 26:46

1y ago26:46

26:46

I'm so excited to bring you a listener submission today from Renee Rubin Ross about my summer Voxer coaching pop-up. I've done these two summers in a row now, and I've learned so much every subsequent time. In this episode, I’ll share the structure, systems, and pricing that help me create a joyful asynchronous program that keeps our calendars free…

1
255: Operationalizing Kindness and Absolute Excellence while Building Birch Coffee with Paul Schlader 38:06

1y ago38:06

38:06

“It wasn’t about being better than others, it was being ourselves, and true to our ideals in our work.” That’s just one of many gems from today’s guest, Birch Coffee co-founder Paul Schlader, who says, “I don’t accept anything less than absolute excellence.” In this conversation we talk about how he stands out in the New York City noise by hiring f…

1
254: 8 Lessons Learned from 8+ Years of Podcasting (Pivot Crossover) 36:31

1y ago36:31

36:31

Today is a crossover episode from the Pivot podcast celebrating eight lessons learned from over eight years of podcasting. The Free Time podcast is now approaching its third birthday—I launched it on March 21, 2021—a year prior to the book coming out. I encourage you to grab your copy if you haven’t already, or even better—🎁 give the gift of free t…

1
253: Channeling Main Character Energy into Writing a Debut Novel with Jamie Varon 48:45

1y ago48:45

48:45

“’Something I always say: at the very least, do it for the plot. Do it for the story. Be bold in life, mostly because not being bold is boring as hell.’ Margot tipped her head back in glittery laughter and I felt my chest expand in hope.” That’s just one of many glittering conversations that the main character of Jamie Varon’s debut novel, Main Cha…

1
252: Taking an Accidental Sabbatical with Mel Dizon 51:10

1y ago51:10

51:10

”In a society that glorifies titles, visibility, reach, and the grind, taking a beat to opt out of all that isn’t easy,” today’s guest Mel Dizon writes in the origin story to her pop-up Substack. Mel shares how she defines an accidental sabbatical; the energetic urgency and pent up ambition that let her know it was time to leave her job; the permis…

1
251: Simply Put—Reducing Friction on Sales Pages and in Business Communication with Ben Guttmann 36:13

1y ago36:13

36:13

Just because you use pretty words that sound nice doesn’t mean they are effective. Although we know what we do because we do it all the time; it’s hard to separate that from what your audience wants and experiences. Thankfully, today’s guest is here to help. Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear M…

1
250: Do what you love and the money will follow . . . IF you meet at least 3 of these 20 criteria (Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h) 20:02

1y ago20:02

20:02

The phrase is emblazoned at WeWorks across the globe: in large neon lights across lobby walls, bedecking laptops via swag stickers, and printed in playful cursive on the mugs that facilitate bottomless free coffee—with the addition of always in small print at the top. But what becomes of the adage to do what you love when the company blasting it ev…

1
249: Systems for Selling Over One Million Books with Josh Kaufman 43:43

1y ago43:43

43:43

“The biggest breakthroughs came from the random side projects that I had no expectation would turn into anything.” Josh Kaufman is a longtime friendtor (13 years and counting!) who I admire for his streamlined approach to running his business in a way that supports family life and creative solitude. In our last conversation we spoke about releasing…

1
248: Four Brand Personas, Biggest Mistakes, and Best/Worst Clients with Adam Chaloeicheep 42:07

1y ago42:07

42:07

Are you running a Franken-Brand? A quick, inexpensive logo here. And then someone a few months later tries to write the brand strategy. And then another junior hire adds in graphics and you don’t even know where they came from. Suddenly, you have this brand that is cobbled together, and no one on the team is feeling compelled. Today, returning gues…

1
How To Unlock Your Internet Personality 28:06

1y ago28:06

28:06

Bill Flannery, Managing Partner with M2 Reps (aka The DC Plate King) joins Traci Hess and shares how to get an audience engaged and get real results on social media. Bill jumped in and was an early adopter across all social media platforms and has built an impressive following. He continues to innovate in his own unique way.…

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